Forest Service Gives Green Light for Exploratory Drilling on Goat Mountain

Last fall, the U.S. Forest Service sought feedback from the public on a draft decision to allow mine prospecting on Goat Mountain. More than 1,200 hikers in the WTA community spoke up asking the Forest Service to reverse their decision.

Despite public support for protecting Goat Mountain and the recreational opportunities it offers, the Forest Service recently announced their final decision to allow the mine prospecting to move forward. 

View from the Goat Mountain Trail. Photo by Boca and company.

What this means for goat mountain

The Forest Service has cleared the way for Ascot Resources, a British Columbia mining company, to begin exploratory drilling in the Green River watershed near Goat Mountain. The company plans on drilling 63 holes at 23 sites just outside the boundary of the northeast corner of Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument to assess cores for the presence of gold, silver, copper and molybdenum.

If Ascot Resources decides to move forward with a mine, they will be required to file an addition application with the Forest Service, likely involving a more rigorous review process.

Besides impacting the lovely Goat Mountain Trail, the project has the potential to permanently impact the Lewis River Horse Camp, impair wildlife habitat and impact water quality of the Green River. Furthermore, mining in the shadow of Mount St. Helens strongly conflicts with the environmental and scientific purpose of the Monument. 

Next Steps

We are disappointed the Forest Service has agreed to allow mine prospecting on Goat Mountain, which provides a unique hiking experience on the border with the Mount St. Helen's National Monument. 

Currently, WTA is working with partner organizations to determine alternative options for preventing a full scale mining operation on Goat Mountain.

how you can help

Speak up. Add your name in support of Goat Mountain, and sign up to receive WTA updates and future alerts to take action on Goat Mountain.

Learn more. The Cascade Forest Conservancy (CFC), who is leading the efforts to stop mining activity on Goat Mountain, will be holding educational events throughout the spring.  If you are interested in learning more about this project and how to help protect Goat Mountain consider attending CFC's next event on March 7 in Vancouver.

Volunteer on trail. In addition, WTA will be leading summer trail work opportunities on Goat Mountain to help combat erosion and washouts along the trail.